Is it such a blow to raise the standard? (3)
I believe the answer is:
rap
'is it such a blow' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'raise the standard?' is the wordplay.
'raise' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'the standard?' becomes 'par' (standard of play in golf).
'par' reversed gives 'RAP'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rap that I've seen before include "Knock - punishment - monologue to music" , "African-American music, the lyrics are chanted" , "Knock, tap" , "Form of music with spoken lyrics" , "Sharply strike; rebuke" .)